Bret Feddern

I am a bit of a web nerd with an addiction to CodeIgniter, Laravel and Bootstrap. While at work, I enjoy creating dynamic, accessible web applications that simplify end users' lives. When I am not writing code, I have a passion for books, Frank Sinatra and cheesy movies from the 80's.

I am a creative and highly effective Application Developer with 14+ years of experience in web development. I am well-versed in numerous programming languages, as well as agile development methodologies. I am currently searching for a position that will utilize my full-stack abilities to make a difference.

Systems Analyst

Fennemore Craig - Phoenix, Arizona

Maintained the law firm's website using ColdFusion, SQL, XHTML and CSS; maintained over 60 MS SQL Server databases; helped implement various legal web applications, including Intapp and LegalKEY; supported the firm's HR system and CRM system (Intellipad).

April 2006 - April 2009

Web Developer

Arizona State University - Tempe, Arizona

Maintained the W. P. Carey School of Business website using ColdFusion, SQL, XHTML and CSS; developed various web applications for faculty and staff, including an online calendar of events; implemented a site-wide redesign for the online MBA program.

April 2005 - April 2006

Jr. Web Developer

Earth 911 - Scottsdale, Arizona

Created and maintained various websites for environmental organizations using ASP, ColdFusion, CSS, HTML and MS SQL. Developed mobile application used in the monitoring of beach conditions.

May 2004 - April 2005

Skills

Programming Languages & Tools

Workflows, Methodologies and Initiatives

Agile Development (Scrum)

Cross Browser Testing & Debugging

Mobile-First, Responsive Design

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) (Section 508)

Projects

Over the years, I have worked on several different and unique projects. I have demonstrated an ability to manage multiple projects successfully while meeting challenging deadlines. Below are just of few of the applications I have worked on in the last five years.

Department Toolbox -
a collection of administrative and research-related "tools" used by the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa. The tools represent smaller applications that are housed together and controller through user-related roles.

eDeposit:
a web-based ColdFusion application used by the University of Iowa to record cash and check departmental bank deposits and credit card sales. The system is used to ensure quick and accurate posting of funds deposited, and used to match funds with the University's General Ledger. The system was originally written in 2002. I worked to rebuild the application "from the ground up" to implement more front-end functionality and to improve back-end processing and reconcilation logic.

BootstrapColdFusionDataTablesFW/1jQueryjQuery MaskjQuery Validate

EPE -
a custom-built application used by the ESL Programs Office at the University of Iowa to track and evaluate incoming students for their skills with the English language. When international students come to the University of Iowa, they are initially evaluated through a series of compositions, interviews and reading/listening tests to see where the level of their English skills are at. Based on that evaluation process, the student may have certain academic requirements that are pushed to the University main academic system (MAUI).

Loginator -
a custom-built application to connect the log records for majority of the CLAS-related applications and web servers at the University of Iowa, making it easy to monitor appliation usage. In addition to parsing log files and records, the tool also allows for scheduling automated jobs.

Outreach Tracker -
an application to make it easier for faculty members on campus to keep track of the time associated with their community outreach efforts, as well has helps them to share those efforts with other faculty members for better collaboration.

ProTrav -
a web-based ColdFusion application used by the University of Iowa to reconcile Procurement Card charges and travel-related expenses. The application also allows for data collection that makes it easier to review expenses individually or collectively (by trip, individual, department, and/or university wide). I worked on several components within ProTrav, including a trip creation wizard, functionality to improve shipping-related expenses (parsing in data from FedEx), audit-related functionality and alerts pertaining to high-risk transactions.

BootstrapColdFusionDataTablesjQueryjQuery Validate

Tech Inventory -
a web-based computer inventory system used to track computer-related inventory throughout departments on campus.

Presenatations

Presenting in front of an audience is not exactl easy for an introverted new, but uver the years I have presented a few topics at development-related conferences. I plan on submitting more talk proposals in the future (see Next Steps), so hopefully this section continues to grow.

Goals

The world of web development is an ever-changing environment, and as such it is important to adapt continually learn new things. Below are some work-related goals I hope to work on in the near future.

Become a Ninja at Vue.js

Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. It is becoming very popular, and my interactions with it thus far have been positive. I see potential in using Vue.js in conjunction with CodeIgniter and Bootstrap. I am encouraged to get more up to speed on this framework to the point where I am a Vue.js ninja.

Submit More Conference Proposals

Speaking in public can be stressful, but it is a great way to become more of an expert on a topic. Creating a topic idea, and then preparing a presentation on that idea is a great way to take a deeper dive on a subject. I want to submit more proposals so that I can hopefully attend more conferences and continue to learn.

Learn Graphic Design

Having worked with designers, I am repeatedly impressed at the ideas they produce. Learning more about graphic design will make me a better UX/UI developer.

Get Certified in Laravel

I want to get recognized for my expertise in creating modern web applications with Laravel.

Create a Web Site/Application to Earn Passive Income

Who doesn't want a passive income source? I have several ideas for sites and applications that could potentially earn revenue. I need to set aside time to construct those ideas.